25 MARCH 1911, Page 15

THE REFERENDUM.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR, Is it not somewhat singular that among the strongest advocates of the Referendum in the present House of Commons are many gentlemen who, a few short years ago, were violently opposed to a temperance measure popularly known as Local Option, the essence of which was the Refer- endum "pure and simple " ?—I am, Sir, &c., Sibella Road, London, S.W.

ALFRED WHEELER.